Utah Invests $450K in Proxima Careers to Boost Healthcare Workforce

The state funding will support hundreds of students seeking entry-level healthcare jobs and advanced training.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:30am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A repeating grid pattern of a brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen stethoscope, representing the healthcare industry and the state's efforts to support workforce development.A bold, pop art-inspired illustration celebrating the state's investment in expanding access to healthcare education and training.West Valley City Today

The Utah Board of Higher Education has allocated $450,000 in grant funding to Proxima Careers, a University of Utah startup that provides support and resources to help lower and middle-income students access healthcare education and training programs. The money will fund 439 Proxima scholars studying for entry-level healthcare roles, as well as 27 students pursuing advanced training. Proxima uses a 'care team' approach with mentorship and advising to help students address needs, visualize a future in healthcare, and find the right educational path.

Why it matters

The investment in Proxima Careers aims to boost access to healthcare education and address workforce shortages in the industry, particularly for underserved populations. By providing financial assistance and comprehensive support, Proxima helps students gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the healthcare field, which can lead to upward mobility and strengthen the local healthcare system.

The details

The $450,000 in state funding will support Proxima Careers' efforts to enroll an additional 466 students in healthcare education and training programs. The startup plans to shift its enrollment so that 60% of its new and continuing learners are enrolled at public institutions like Salt Lake Community College, which has partnered with Proxima. The state funding will also allow Proxima to develop and enhance virtual learning options for rural students.

  • The Utah Board of Higher Education allocated the $450,000 grant funding at a meeting on March 26, 2026.
  • Proxima Careers was launched by the University of Utah in 2024 as part of the Eccles Health Campus & Hospital in West Valley City.

The players

Proxima Careers

A University of Utah startup that provides support and resources to help lower and middle-income students access healthcare education and training programs.

Utah Board of Higher Education

The governing body that oversees the Utah System of Higher Education and allocated the $450,000 grant funding to Proxima Careers.

Rich Saunders

The president of Proxima Careers.

Greg Peterson

The president of Salt Lake Community College, which has partnered with Proxima Careers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our strategy is a focus on rapid certification and employment into (high) demand roles, so that the scholars gain early confidence, which is critical. They gain confidence and income flowing into their bank accounts and real-world experience-all of that positions them then for continued education and upward mobility.”

— Rich Saunders, President, Proxima Careers

“What we're trying to do is to give them an entry point to healthcare industry. And then, with the coaching that Proxima provides, that helps students continue on to see what the next pathway is.”

— Greg Peterson, President, Salt Lake Community College

What’s next

Proxima Careers will report back to the Utah Board of Higher Education in one year on the impact of the $450,000 grant funding.

The takeaway

The state's investment in Proxima Careers demonstrates a commitment to expanding access to healthcare education and addressing workforce shortages, particularly for underserved populations. By providing comprehensive support and resources, Proxima is helping students gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the healthcare field, which can lead to upward mobility and strengthen the local healthcare system.